It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Rita Amanda Boggin (Buggins), on February 12, 2018. At the age of 76 years, surrounded by her family, Rita began her journey home to the Spirit World, where she planned to drink tea and speak her Beaver language with her father.

 

Rita was born on April 29, 1941 in Meander River, Alberta. She was the oldest daughter of 15 children born to Victorine Adekat (Chipewyan) from Rocky Lane, Alberta and Frank Buggins (Beaver) from Meander River, Alberta. Rita moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 21 years, and she lived on-and-off in the city for over 50 years, but she also considered K'atl'odeeche First Nation (Hay River) in the Northwest Territories to be her home community.

 

Rita lived a long and eventful life. As a child, she was interned in Canada’s Indian Residential School system, first at St. Henri’s Mission in Fort Vermilion, Alberta and, subsequently, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Residential School in Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories. Rita worked diligently for over 40 years in the food services, beauty, and manufacturing industries. Outside of her paid employment, Rita raised a family and volunteered at her children’s schools and in the community. She remained active in retirement, never missing her daily walk and regularly baking bannock and other goodies to share with her neighbours.

 

Rita treasured fine bone china, flowers, candles and stationery, but her greatest joy in life was her family. Rita valued and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She truly touched the lives of anyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

 

Rita is survived by her daughters Teresa (Dino), Lisa (Sam) and Christine (Derick); her estranged son, Peder; her “scooped” son, Dale Gerrard Buggins; and her grandchildren, Marc, Nolan, Dylan, Jade, Tristan, Madison, Chassi-Lea, Adam and Emma. She is predeceased by her husband and life partner, Olaf Engbaek; her grandson, Evan Engbaek; and her great-grandchildren, Samson and Kynlee Berens.

 

At Rita’s request, there will be no wake or funeral services. However, a small gathering to celebrate Rita’s life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 @ 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, at 1010 Sinclair Street, Merv Thompson Room. All are welcome to attend.